Freyr: God of the World

Freyr as he catches his first glimpse of Gerdr

In going through my blog collecting notes the past week or so I noticed something odd. I noticed that in all my posts, I haven't really talked much about the Vanir God Freyr. I thought about this, and it seemed strange that the God that is perhaps closer to me than any other has gotten such a limited exposure here on the blog. I realized also that perhaps it is my own personal closeness that has caused an until now unrecognized reticence to speak about Freyr, perhaps I am a bit over protective of that relationship, as strange as it may sound.

So anyway I thought perhaps this week's F post could be dedicated to Freyr, and encourage me to begin posting more information about him. Since this is the first, I will start with the basics.

Freyr is the brother of Freyja, son of Njord and an unamed mother (sometimes speculated to be Nerthus), and is considered to be one of the foremost of Vanic divinities. The word "Freyr" itself means "Lord," as the word Freyja translates to "Lady." The names of both are considered to be simple epithets, rather than their true names, as Freyja is known by many alternate names, and Freyr himself has also been known as Ing or Yngvi. Many also believe that the mythical divine king Frodhi is also Freyr due to many similarities between lore and historical evidence.

Museum quality reproduction of the Rallinge statuette of Freyr

Freyr's supreme role is one of fertility, as well as keeper of frith. Roman sources suggest that the worship of Freyr in heathen times was as a phallic god, and this is supported by archaeological finds such as the Rallinge statuette of Freyr found in Sweden. Freyr is depicted in a seated position with an oversized erect phallus, looking strangely thoughtful as he holds onto his long beard and stares into space. The role of the phallic god is one intertwined with the fertility of the earth and its inhabitants, and in many cases this divinity is connected to agriculture and wealth.

In literary sources, the role of Freyr as a fertile god is also supported. He is known to bestow "peace and pleasure on mortals" and is wed to Gerdr (earth), a union that many interpret as the divine union of land and sky  which creates fertility upon the land. There is also indication that Freyr was originally wed or mated with Freyja herself, yet this union was discouraged when they came to Asgard, as the Aesir did not accept incestuous marriage.

Outside of fertility, Freyr's role as the keeper of frith is one that receives much less attention than his fertility aspect, but is well represented in literary sources. Frith is an Old Norse concept that in modern times is often  equated to mean "peace," yet our modern idea of this concept is quite different than that of the Norse. Frith itself is more akin to ideas such as clan loyalty, martial protection, and the forces of kin and family which held the society itself together. In essence, Freyr's role as the protector frith would require a gigantic amount of strength, force, and capability, as well as extremely strong character and integrity.

Freyr with Gullinbursti

One of Freyr's most important possessions is his boar named Gullinbursti (Golden-Bristles) who was created by dwarves and gifted to Freyr. The mane of Gullinbursti is said to emit a glow so strong that it can illuminate even the darkest path. This in itself indicates a connection to both justice and knowledge. In historical and archaeological the boar has been a symbol of protection, due to its fierce nature when threatened, especially when females feel their children are in danger. The boar motif has been found on several Viking age helmets and battle ornaments which indicates this purpose. The boar itself is perhaps the most quintessential of all Vanic motifs, and it plays a large role in Vanir lore for both Freyja and Freyr. Modern Vanatru often find the boar to be the most potent symbol of the faith.

There is a tendency among some Asatru to label the Vanir male gods as more passive than aggressive, and females tend to be much more aggressive (Freyja) than their male counterparts. Roman sources also indicate that Vanic heathen worship practices may have involved some aspects of cross-dressing and other gender bending behavior. This concept in Norse culture is known as "ergi," and though is commonly linked to effeminate behavior in males, on a linguistic basis it refers to any behavior that bends gender roles, be they masculine or feminine.

Then he entered Swedish territory where he spent seven years in a leisurely stay with the sons of Frø, after which he departed to join Haki, the lord of Denmark, for, living at Uppsala in the period of sacrifices, he had become disgusted with the womanish body movements, the clatter of actors on the stage and the soft tinkling of bells. It is obvious how far his heart was removed from frivolity if he could not even bear to watch these occasions. A manly individual is resistant to wantonness.
                                                        Gesta Danorum 6, Fisher's translation

The indication is that there was an inherent difference in Aesir and Vanir ideas of suitable gender behavior, specifically what constitutes "manliness." The tendency to label the Vanir gods as ergi among some Asatru groups is a sad reflection of this. As a Vanatru, I resent the assumption that the more passive, defensive nature of the Vanic masculine forces is somehow a weakness. Indeed, I feel it indicates a more healthy, equalized relationship between the genders when women are allowed to be more aggressive and men are less concerned about being manly. The fact that the Vanir are gods of peace and wealth in my mind indicates that gender equality can be connected to a more peaceful and healthy way of life. In a word "Abundance."

Wild Boar Youngling: if only they stayed this adorable =)

My personal favorite bit of lore about Freyr is a passage from the Lokasenna, spoken by the god Tyr in Freyr's defense.


Frey is best
of all the exalted gods
in the Æsir's courts:
no maid he makes to weep,
no wife of man,
and from bonds looses all.

 Lokasenna 37, Thorpe's translation


I often recall this verse when I am feeling down, and it gives me much comfort. It signals for me a sense of my Lord Freyr's compassion as well as the absence of the ideal of judgement that is such an oppressive part of christian faith systems. This passage does not question the actions of mortals as a measure of compassion, instead it illustrates the benevolent nature of a deity who is simply unable to behave without compassion.

I hope you have all enjoyed this intro to Freyr, I defo have enjoyed writing about Freyr, even though I might have gone much further into his lore and ways. I will save that for future posts.

In Frith,
Cena